05 - Extracting Metals

• Copper


  Used for electrical cabling and pipes for plumbing.
• Steel


  Used for machinery, tools, bridges, girders and car bodies, car engines, cutlery, sinks and cans.
• Aluminium


  Used for aircraft, trains, overhead power cables, saucepans and cooking foil.
• Copper Properties:

  • Good electrical conductor.
  • Thin layer of copper oxides on the surface which stops air and water getting to the metal, allowing it to resist corrosion.
  • Not very reactive: does not react with water.
• Steel Properties:

  • Can be hard and tough.
• Aluminium Properties:

  • Soft and bendy.
  • Low density metal - meaning that it is lightweight for its size.
  • Can be made into sheets that can be rolled, cut and pressed into shape to make many things.
  • Very versitile.